ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Cultivation of Oranges
As per Third Advance Estimates 2019-20, total land under Orange  in the country is 4.79 Lakh Hectare. Major states involved in Orange production are Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Haryana.
There is no declining trend in Orange production in the country, as may be seen in the table below:-
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2017-18
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2018-19
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2019-20 
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All India Production
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51.01
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62.43
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63.97
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture , a Centrally Sponsored Scheme is being implemented w.e.f. 2014-15, for holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew and cocoa. All States and UTs are covered under MIDH.
The Mission envisages production and productivity improvement of horticulture crops including fruits and vegetables through various interventions. Under MIDH, assistance is provided for activities such as production of planting material, vegetable seed production, coverage of area with improved cultivars, rejuvenation of senile orchards, protected cultivation, creation of water resources, adoption of Integrated Pest Management , Integrated Nutrient Management , organic farming, including insitu generation of organic inputs are taken up for development of fruits and vegetables. Capacity buildings of farmers and technicians are also provided for adopting improved technologies.
Under the Mission, financial assistance is also provided for taking up various activities related to development of horticulture including post-harvest management. For the development of post-harvest management including establishment of Pack house, Pre-cooling unit, Cold Storage, Mobile Pre-cooling unit, Cold Room , Primary/Mobile/Minimal Processing unit, Ripening Chamber, evaporative/low energy cool chamber, low cost preservation unit, low cost onion storage structure, Pusa Zero Energy Cool Chamber, subsidy @ 35%  and 50%  of capital cost of the project is available for both public and private sector enterprises.
ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur has reported that it has so far trained as many as 42634 citrus growers and 2449 officials on countrywide basis under various extension/Transfer of Technology based programmes. During last five years, under the Technology Mission  for North Eastern and Himalayan  region, Centre organized a total of 20 trainings programmes  covering 8 States of north- eastern region where concerned State Government officers and field functionaries were trained on ‘Production of disease free planting material’ and ‘Citrus Rejuvenation’.
ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur has reported that since 2003, it has produced 7.00 Lakh planting materials of citrus and distributed to 3000 citrus growers and 16 Citrus growing State Governments to develop a healthy mother stock.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in Lok Sabha yesterday.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Joint outcome statement: UK-India round eleven FTA negotiations
Round eleven of negotiations for a free trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the Republic of India
On 18 July 2023, the United Kingdom and the Republic of India concluded the eleventh round of talks for the UK-India Free Trade Agreement .
As with previous rounds, this was conducted in a hybrid fashion - a number of Indian officials travelled to London for negotiations and others attended virtually.
On 10-11 July 2023, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Government of India, Shri Piyush Goyal, visited the UK as part of the eleventh round of the UK-India FTA negotiations. He met with Rt. Hon Kemi Badenoch MP, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, and Hon Nigel Huddleston MP, the Minister of State for International Trade, where they discussed ways to make progress on the FTA negotiations and wider trade and investment opportunities for the UK and India.
Commerce Secretary, Government of India, Shri Sunil Barthwal, also visited the UK during the round. He met with senior UK trade officials and took stock of the progress made in the eleventh round of negotiations.
Technical discussions were held across 9 policy areas over 42 separate sessions. They included detailed draft treaty text discussions in these policy areas.
The twelfth round of negotiations is due to take place in the coming months.
Ministry of Railways
Ministry of Railways introduces Policy regarding Premium Indent to facilitate freight customers.
Ministry of Railways has introduced the policy regarding Premium Indent on 11th December 2020 to facilitate freight customers.
Under this policy, if a customer places request for Premium Indent, allotment of rakes will be given priority on two days as notified under Preferential Traffic Order issued by Traffic Transportation directorate of Railway Board from time to time, presently being Monday and Friday. However, on other days normal order of priority of indents will follow.
The salient features of the policy are given below-
a. In sidings, the customer can indicate a date of supply of rakes and also indicate whether he will load if the rake is supplied after due date on Normal tariff rate.
b. The customer shall be required to pay 5% premium on normal freight which shall be deposited in advance. If the rake is supplied later than the indicated date on the indent, the premium paid will be adjusted against the normal freight.
c. In the goods shed also, customer will be permitted to place premium indent. Customer will get priority for allocation on two days as notified under Preferential Traffic Order issued by Traffic Transportation directorate of Railway Board from time to time, presently being Monday and Friday. However, on other days normal order of priority of indents will follow.
d. Premium Indent once placed cannot be withdrawn; withdrawal of the indent shall invite forfeiture of the premium paid.
e. This premium indent policy will not be applicable to restricted destinations and destinations regulated by quota.
f. This is an optional scheme.
Special Service and Features
IIT Madras hosts ‘Demo Day’ for JEE aspirants on 24 th June 2023
IIT Madras is organising a ‘Demo Day’ where JEE 2023 aspirants can visit and experience the campus for a special one-day experience.
The event can be joined both online  and offline . Those interested can register on the following website - visit.askiitm.com. The last date to register is 16th June 2023.
Aspirants and parents will get to see the campus and ask questions to current students, faculty and recent alumni of IIT Madras. Further, aspiring students will also get to attend a few demo lectures and meet the student clubs.
Welcome the JEE Aspirants to campus, Prof. V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “From 2000 to 2009, as a faculty member, I used to participate in ‘counselling’ during which JEE students would come to IIT Madras to talk to faculty members. We would answer questions about academics, placements, safety, sports, and food, among other topics.”
Prof. Kamakoti added, “Talking to us would calm the anxieties of students and parents. This in-person counselling was stopped in 2010 when the process turned online. I am so thrilled that students this year will get that opportunity to come to campus, get their doubts cleared, and then fill in their choices in online counselling.”
The Demo Day is part of the AskIITM initiative designed and run by alumni and students. On the website askiitm.com, aspirants can ask questions about courses, faculty, campus life, placements and more. A team of alumni and student volunteers will answer these. Aspirants can also browse through existing answers.
Additionally, there are also more than 200 videos on Instagram and YouTube about various topics related to IIT Madras 
Mr. Amrutash Misra, an IIT Madras alumni who is leading this initiative, said, “We have created video answers to many of the questions received last year. For placement-related questions, we have created a separate microsite with jobs data from the current graduating batch. So there is a lot of relevant information for aspirants.”
Ministry of Electronics & IT
Empowering a Digital India: New and Enhanced Features of Aadhar
Mumbai, 27 July 2023
The Unique Identification Authority of India  has stated that Aadhar, India's unique biometric identification system, has been updated with new features. These enhancements are designed to further empower citizens, facilitate seamless access to services, and reinforce the nation's journey towards a truly Digital India. These features have been developed with the utmost consideration for data privacy and security, in compliance with all applicable regulations and guidelines, UIDAI has further stated.
Aadhar has already played a crucial role in transforming how we authenticate identities, avail government benefits and engage with various services. With the addition of these new features, the Aadhar platform is set to revolutionize the way individuals interact with the digital ecosystem.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Biometric Locking/Unlocking: Users can now have greater control over their biometric information by leveraging the Biometric Locking/Unlocking feature. This empowers citizens to lock their biometric data, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring data privacy and security.
- Offline Aadhar Verification: Aadhar cardholders can now use the Offline Aadhar Verification method, eliminating the need for continuous internet connectivity during the verification process. This feature ensures real-time authentication even in areas with limited internet access.
- Virtual Aadhar ID : The introduction of VID enhances privacy by allowing users to generate temporary 16-digit VID numbers instead of sharing their actual Aadhaar number for authentication purposes. VID can be used for various services, reducing the risk of identity theft.
- Time-based One-Time Password : Aadhar users can now generate time-based OTPs  via the mAadhar mobile app, providing an additional layer of security during authentication.
- Face Authentication: To offer a more inclusive authentication mechanism, Face Authentication has been integrated into the Aadhar platform. Users can now use their facial biometrics to verify their identity, adding convenience and accessibility for those with fingerprint-related challenges.
- Aadhar QR Code: The new Aadhar QR Code allows users to share their Aadhar details securely and conveniently, enabling swift identity verification for various services.Aadhar Authentication History: This feature allows users to track and monitor their Aadhar authentication history, providing transparency and control over when and where their Aadhar information is being used.
To explore these new features and experience the enhanced Aadhar ecosystem, visit the official Aadhar website or update your mAadhar app on your mobile device.| PIB Mumbai | JPS/ SC / DR
Follow us on social media:@PIBMumbai /PIBMumbai /pibmumbai pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com /PIBMumbai /pibmumbai
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Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Legal Guarantee for MSP
Government fixes Minimum Support Prices  for 22 mandated agricultural crops and Fair and Remunerative Price  for sugarcane on the basis of the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices , after considering the views of State Governments and Central Ministries/Departments concerned and other relevant factors.
To realize the objectives of MSP Policy, Government extends price support for paddy and wheat through the Food Corporation of India  and State Agencies. Under this policy, whatever food grains are offered by farmers within the stipulated period & conforming to the specifications prescribed by Government are purchased at MSP by the State Government agencies including FCI for Central Pool. Additionally, Oilseeds, pulses and copra of Fair Average Quality  are procured from registered farmers under Price Support Scheme under Umbrella Scheme of PM-AASHA, as per its guidelines at MSP in consultation with the concerned State Government as and when market price of these produce fall below the MSP. Cotton and Jute are also procured by Government at MSP through Cotton Corporation of India  and Jute Corporation of India , respectively.
Further, Government in its Union Budget for 2018-19 had announced the pre-determined Principle to keep MSP at levels of one-and-half times of the cost of production. Accordingly, Government has increased the MSP for all mandated Kharif, Rabi and other commercial crops with a return of at least 50 per cent over all-India weighted average cost of production from the agricultural year 2018-19 onwards.
Government has adopted several developmental programmes, schemes, reforms and policies for achieving higher incomes for the farmers. There have been several reforms for income enhancement, which are as follow:
 Supplementary income transfers under PM-KISAN,
 Crop insurance under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna ,
 Better access to irrigation under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana ,
 Special attention for creation of infrastructure through Agri Infrastructure Fund  with a size of Rs. 100,000 crore,
 Kisan Credit Cards  offering production loan to even dairy & fishery farmers besides agricultural crops,
 Formation and promotion of 10,000 FPOs,
 National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture , which aims to evolve and implement strategies to make Indian agriculture more resilient to the changing climate.
 Adoption of drone technologies in agriculture which has a potential to revolutionize the Indian agriculture.
 Benefits accruing under Bee-Keeping, Rashtriya Gokul Mission, Blue Revolution, Interest Subvention Scheme, agro-forestry, restructured bamboo mission, implementation of new generation watershed guidelines, etc
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to Biju Patnaik on his birth anniversary
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Biju Patnaik on his birth anniversary.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Tributes to Biju Babu on his birth anniversary. His futuristic vision for India, emphasis on human empowerment as well as social justice inspires us all. The nation is proud of his efforts for Odisha’s progress."
AYUSH
Yoga Mahotsav 2022
Yoga session on 'Common Yoga Protocol' at Aga Khan Palace, Pune on 30 March 2022
Pune – 25 March 2022
Yoga Mahotsav 2022 a campaign on 100 days, 100 organizations at 100 places started with an objective to give wider promotion and publicity to various dimensions of Yoga and its utility and also to promote the 100 days countdown campaign to IDY-2022 for Health, Well-being and World Peace.
To commemorate 100 days countdown to International Day of Yoga  2022, National Institute of Naturopathy , Ministry of Ayush, Govt. Of India, shall conduct a yoga session on 'Common Yoga Protocol' at Aga Khan Palace,a renowned Gandhi Heritage site at Pune followed by a workshop cum discourse on Yoga for Immunity for two hours is also planned to be conducted in the premises of Aga Khan Palace on 30th March 2022 between 7 am to 11am.
Schedule
7:00 am - 7:30 am - Inauguration
7:30 am - 8:30 am - Practice of Common Yoga Protocol
9:00 am - 11:00 am - Workshop on Yoga for Immunity
Session 1 - Yoga for Immunity by Yog-guru,Vishwas Mandalik, Founder,YogVidyaGurukul, Nashik
Session 2 - Principles of Yoga and Diet by Dr. Abhishek Devikar, Director, Nisargopachar Ashram, Urulikanchan
Session 3 - Yoga for Vibrant Health by Dr. Raj Kulkarni, Director, Dr. R. K Lifestyle Disorder and Pain Management Clinic, Pune
Trustees of Aga Khan Palace, along with Shri Rajendra Yadav, Superintending Archeologist, Archeological Survey of India, Mumbai region, Shri Nikhil Deshmukh, Deputy Director, Regional Outreach Bureau, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India and various other dignitaries will also grace the occasion.
To mark the presence of our city Pune at a global yoga platform, Director, NIN cordially invites all fitness and yoga enthusiasts of Pune to make their valuable presence at at Aga Khan Palace in huge numbers to make the above event a grand success.
Prime Minister's Office
PM to address NASSCOM Technology and Leadership Forum on 17th February
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will address the NASSCOM Technology and Leadership Forum  on 17th February 2021 at 12:30 PM via video conferencing.
About NTLF
The 29th edition of NTLF is being organised from 17th to 19th February 2021. It is the flagship event of the National Association of Software and Service Companies . The theme of this year's event is 'Shaping the future towards a better normal'. The event will host 1600 participants from more than 30 countries and more than 30 products will be showcased during the three-days of talks.
Special Service and Features
Shri Vinod P Abraham is the new Head of DoT, Kerala LSA
Shri Vinod P Abraham, ITS, has taken over as the Head of Kerala LSA, Department of Telecommunications, Kochi on 1 June 2022. He is a graduate in Electronics & Telecommunications from REC Bhopal and joined the Indian Telecommunications Service  in 1985.
He has a vast experience of about 35 years and has served in different positions in various Telecom Circles all over India, spearheading operational and business improvements.
Prior to joining DoT Kerala LSA, he was the Chief General Manager, BSNL, Andhra Pradesh Circle. Before that, he had worked as the Head of Mobile Services and Operations of BSNL, Kerala Circle.
Shri Abraham is a well-known technocrat with expertise in various domains of the telecommunications & IT sector.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
National Marine Turtle Action Plan launched.
Diversity is the beauty of India, need to conserve it: Shri Prakash Javadekar
 has released ‘Marine Mega Fauna Stranding Guidelines’ and ‘National Marine Turtle Action Plan’ in New Delhi today.
Speaking at the virtual launch event the Union Environment Minister said that both floral and faunal diversity including the marine biodiversity is the beauty of India and we need to conserve it with best possible action and interventions.
India has rich marine biodiversity along a vast coastline of over 7,500 km. From colorful fish, sharks, including Whale Sharks, turtles and big mammals like whales, dolphins and dugongs to bright corals, marine habitats not only harbor diverse species but also provide resources essential for human wellbeing.
Millions of people depend on these resources ranging from maritime trade and transport, food, mineral resources, cultural traditions, spiritual values and inspiration that draws tourists from around the world.
Despite the immense economic, ecological and cultural values of marine habitats in India, marine mega fauna species and marine turtles face a wide variety of challenges including stranding and entanglement. Managing such challenging situations requires coordination, action and people’s participation which would help in the long-term conservation of marine species and their habitats.
The documents launched today contains ways and means to not only promote inter-sectoral action for conservation but also guide improved coordination amongst the government, civil society and all relevant stakeholders on the response to cases of stranding, entanglement, injury or mortality of marine mammals and also conservation of marine turtles.
These two documents highlight actions to be taken for handling stranded animals on shore, stranded or entangled animals in the sea or on a boat, management actions for improved coordination, reducing threats to marine species and their habitats, rehabilitation of degraded habitats, enhancing people’s participation, advance scientific research and exchange of information on marine mammals and marine turtles and their habitats.
Special Service and Features
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS ORGANIZED MANAK MANTHAN – AN INTERACTION PROGRAMME ON ELECTRIC CABLES FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS FOR RATED VOLTAGE 1500V D.C
Bureau of Indian Standards, the National Standards Body of India is a statutory body functioning under the aegis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. It operates various schemes like Product Certification , Management Systems Certification, Hall Marking of Gold and Silver Jewellery/Artefacts and Laboratory Services for the benefit of the industry and in turn aiming at consumer protection.
BIS, Chennai, had been organising training programmes for government officials to sensitise them to standards related to their sectors. BIS also conducts Training Programmes for Schools/College Students, who are members of Standards Clubs.
Now, BIS has started organizing new series of discussion-programmes titled “Manak Manthan” for the benefit of industry which is scheduled on every month, and is envisaged to launch new standards and share important revisions / amendments and wide circulation drafts to local manufacturers, Industrial and Trade Bodies, Chambers of Commerce, Industry Associations, PSU’s or organizations who use such products, Government departments, Regulatory bodies, Laboratories, Civil society groups and Academia.
In this regard, Bureau Of Indian Standards, Chennai Branch Office –I organized the first Manak Manthan programme on “Electric Cables for Photovoltaic Systems for Rated voltage 1500V DC” as per IS 17293:2020. A solar cable is the interconnection cable used in photovoltaic power generation. Recently, India achieved 5th global position in solar power deployment. MNRE  has issued standards and speciﬁcations for commissioning of Grid connected Solar plants. As mentioned in the technical speciﬁcation “The electric cables for DC systems for rated voltage of 1500V shall conform to IS 17293:2020”.
Manufactures of Solar systems, cables and conductors, members of industry associations, HCC , CCC  and CII Confederation of Indian Industry) attended the programme and all the specifications of Standard starting from raw material requirements to testing of final product were discussed by the participants with Shri Jose Charles, Scientist-D & Ms.Jyostna Priya, Scientist-B which helped the participants to gain knowledge on test procedures and specifications of solar cable as per the Indian standard.
This is stated in a press release issued by the Shri. H.Ajay Khanna, Deputy Director , Mobile:9366719530.
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